Jaguars apps

When the Titans and the Jaguars picked quarterbacks Jake Locker and Blaine Gabbert with the eighth and 10th picks in the 2011 NFL draft, the expectation was that the two quarterbacks would be starting against each other for a decade.

It hasn’t worked out that way.

In fact, Locker has yet to duel Gabbert and won’t Sunday when the Jaguars play at Tennessee.

Matt Hasselbeck was the Titans’ starting quarterback in Locker’s rookie year. And Locker faced Chad Henne twice last year because Gabbert was injured.

Now Gabbert’s lost the starting job to Henne and he may have taken his last snap for the Jaguars unless Henne is injured or plays poorly.

The jury is still out on Locker, who has battled injuries the last two years. He missed five games last season and two this year, but Titans coach Mike Munchak remains high on Locker as they start the second half of the year with a 4-4 record.

“We’re excited about how he’s progressing,’’ Munchak said. “Missing the two games was definitely a factor for the team and for him. I’m just glad he’s back because he’s definitely our leader and it’s going to be important to him to play well the second half of the season if we’re going to make a move. We’re real happy with him. We’re excited about how he’s improved each week and we’ve just got to keep him healthy.’’

The Titans started 3-1 with Locker, then lost the two games he missed with backup Ryan Fitzpatrick against Kansas City and Seattle.

The Titans split the two since he returned, losing to San Francisco and beating St. Louis.

Munchak said Locker’s injuries have been more a case of bad luck than anything else..

“He is a guy that takes very good care of himself,’’ Munchak said of Locker. “He injured the shoulder last year when he was making a tackle. This year, he took a weird hit. He didn’t really get hit hard, but the way he fell created a problem with his knee and his hip. Hopefully, those are behind him because he really hasn’t been hurt in the past.’’

Locker has completed 61 percent of his passes this season with eight touchdowns and only three interceptions and a a 91.0 passer rating.

Munchak believes the Titans have found their long-term quarterback.

“Yeah, he should be,’’ Munchak said. “We’ve just got to go out and win games with him. We’ve got to get through these next eight weeks and play really well. It will be evident that at least every day in practice that we see he’s a special football player on and off the field. We can win a lot of football games with him if we have the right people around him.’’

In the third year of his four-year rookie contract, Locker could earn a lucrative extension if he performs well the second half of the season. If he doesn’t or gets hurt again, the Titans will have to evaluate his status.

In fact, the next five days could be critical — the Titans play the Colts Thursday night.

“Every week from here on out is a big game,’’ Locker said. “We’ve put ourselves in a situation where we have a chance here in November and December to be relevant, and to continue to be relevant.’’

As to whether Locker will earn a contract extension, Munchak said, “That will be something they’ll look at, but I think if he just continues to do what he’s doing, I imagine he will be here for a long time.’’

Munchak also hopes to be with the Titans a long time. He was a Hall of Fame guard for the teamfrom 1982-93, joined the coaching staff as an assistant in 1996 and became head coach in 2011.

The team is in something of a transition since the recent death of their founder, Bud Adams. The Titans’ top executive is now Adams’ son-in-law, Tommy Smith.

Munchak was close to Adams, but could find himself on the hot seat after going 15-17 his first two years.